VSR-S
Vane Type Waterow Alarm
Switch With Retard
5401206 - REV H • 05/19 PAGE 1 OF 6
Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC • St. Louis, MO • Phone: 800-325-3936 • www.pottersignal.com
Description
The Model VSR-S is a vane type waterow switch for use on wet
sprinkler systems that use 1” (25mm), 1¼” (32mm), 1½” (38mm) or 2”
(50mm) pipe size. The unit may also be used as a sectional waterow
detector on large systems.
The unit contains two single pole double throw snap action switches
and an adjustable, instantly recycling pneumatic retard. The switches
are actuated when a ow of 10 gallons per minute (38 LPM) or more
occurs downstream of the device. The ow condition must exist for a
period of time necessary to overcome the selected retard period.
Enclosure
The VSR-S switches and retard device are enclosed in a general
purpose, die-cast housing. The cover is held in place with two tamper
resistant screws which require a special key for removal. A eld
installable cover tamper switch is available as an option which may
be used to indicate unauthorized removal of the cover. See bulletin
number 5401103 for installation instructions of this switch.
Technical Specications
Service Pressure 300 PSI (20,68 BAR) - UL
Flow Required for
Alarm
10 GPM (38 LPM)
To ensure minimum ow of 10 gpm, a minimum pressure is
required at all sprinklers with a k-factor of 3 or less.
K-3: 10 PSI
K-2.8: 12 PSI
Maximum Surge 18 FPS (5,5 m/s)
Enclosure Die-cast, red powdercoat nish
Contact Ratings
Two sets of SPDT (Form C)
10.0 Amps at 125/250VAC
2.0 Amps at 30VDC Resistive
10 mAmps min. at 24VDC
Conduit Entrances Two 1/2” conduit connections provided. Individual switch
compartments suitable for dissimilar voltages.
Usage
Listed plastic, copper, schedule 40 iron pipe and unlisted riser
assemblies approved by Potter .
Fits pipe sizes - 1”, 1¼”, 1½” and 2”
Note: 12 paddles are furnished with each unit, one for each pipe
size of threaded and sweat TEE, one for 1” CPVC, one for 1”
CPVC (Central), one for 1” threaded Nibco CPVC, and one for
1½” threaded (Japan).
Environmental
Specications
• NEMA 4/IP65 Rated Enclosure suitable for indoor or
outdoor use with factory installed gasket and die-cast housing when
used with appropriate conduit tting.
• Temperature Range: 40°F - 120°F, (4.5°C - 49°C) - UL
Service Use
Automatic Sprinkler NFPA-13
One or two family dwelling NFPA-13D
Residential occupancy up to four stories NFPA-13R
National Fire Alarm Code NFPA-72
*Specications subject to change without notice.
Features
• Assembled in USA
• 0-90 second eld replaceable time delay retard
• Easy to read retard time delay adjustment knob
• Fits 1” to 2” CPVC, copper, brass, or iron pipe
• Comes with all necessary paddles
• Two SPDT (form C) contacts
• Weatherproof
• Easy to read wire terminal designations
• 5 year warranty
• Installation must be performed by qualied personnel
and in accordance with all national and local codes and
ordinances.
• Shock hazard. Disconnect power source before servicing.
Serious injury or death could result.
• Risk of explosion. Not for use in hazardous locations. Serious
injury or death could result.
Waterow switches that are monitoring wet pipe sprinkler systems
shall not be used as the sole initiating device to discharge AFFF,
deluge, or chemical suppression systems. Waterow switches used
for this application may result in unintended discharges caused by
surges, trapped air, or short retard times.
CAUTION
Important: This document contains important information on the installation and operation of the VSR-S waterow switches. Please read all instructions
carefully before beginning installation. A copy of this document is required by NFPA 72 to be maintained on site.
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5401206 - REV H • 05/19 PAGE 2 OF 6
Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC • St. Louis, MO • Phone: 800-325-3936 • www.pottersignal.com
VSR-S
Vane Type Waterow Alarm
Switch With Retard
Installation
These devices may be mounted in horizontal or vertical pipe. On horizontal pipe they should be installed on the top side of the pipe where they will
be accessible. The units should not be installed within 6” (15cm) of a tting which changes the direction of the waterow or within 24” of a valve or
drain. Select the proper paddle for the pipe size and type of TEE used see Fig. 2 for instructions on changing paddle. The unit has a 1” NPT bushing for
threading into a TEE. See Fig. 1 for proper TEE size, type and installation. Use no more than three wraps of teon tape.
Screw the device into the TEE tting as shown in Fig. 1. Care must be taken to properly orient the device for the direction of waterow.
The vane must not rub the inside of the TEE or bind in any way. The stem should move freely when operated by hand.
The device can also be used in copper or plastic pipe installations with the proper adapters so that the specied TEE tting may be installed on the pipe
run.
Note: Do not leave cover off for an extended period of time.
Fig 1
Fig 2
There are 12 paddles furnished with each unit. One for each size of
threaded, sweat or plastic TEE as described in Fig. 3. These paddles
have raised lettering that shows the pipe size and type of TEE that
they are to be used with. The proper paddle must be used. The paddle
must be properly attached (see drawing) and the screw that holds the
paddle must be securely tightened. Do not trim the paddle.
Do not trim the paddle. Failure to follow these instructions may prevent the device from operating and will void the warranty. Do not obstruct or otherwise
prevent the trip stem of the ow switch from moving when water ows as this could damage the ow switch and prevent an alarm. If an alarm is not
desired, a Flowswitch Bypass Switch should be used (refer to Potter data sheet 5401554), or a qualied technician should disable the alarm system.
Retard Adjustment
Paddle Selection
Note: For National Fire Products risers, use paddle marked SWEAT
for corresponding size riser.
The delay can be adjusted by rotating the retard adjustment knob from
0 to the max setting (60-90 seconds). The time delay should be set at
the minimum required to prevent false alarms.
OPTIONAL COVER TA MPER SWITCH
MOUNT SO ARROW ON
BUSHING POINTS IN
DIRECTION OF WATERFLOW
1” NPT THREADED
FITTING ON ALL SIZES
RUN OF THE TEE MAY BE
THREADED OR SWEAT PIPE
DIRECTION OF
WATERFLOW
DWG# 802-30A
DIRECTION OF
WAT ER FLOW
DWG# 737-31
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5401206 - REV H • 05/19 PAGE 3 OF 6
Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC • St. Louis, MO • Phone: 800-325-3936 • www.pottersignal.com
VSR-S
Vane Type Waterow Alarm
Switch With Retard
Fig 3
Approximate Depth Requirement
Tee Size Threaded Sweat CPVC
1" x 1" x 1" 2 1/16" 1 3/4" 2 7/16"
1 1/4" x 1 1/4" x 1" 2 7/16" 2 7/16" N/A
1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 1" 2 11/16" 2 1/4" N/A
2" x 2" x 1" 3 3/16" 2 3/4" N/A
Use only factory TEE’s with a 1” NPT bull. Threaded bushings,
reducing bushings, mechanical TEE’s and weld-o-lets are not
allowed unless they comply with the dimensions listed in the chart
in Fig. 3 and have been factory approved by Potter. Apply teon
tape to the 1” NPT tting. Do not use more than three wraps of
teon tape. Do not use any other type of sealant.
Switch Terminal Connections
Clamping Plate Terminal
TEE Specications Cover Tamper Switch Wiring
Fig 5
Fig 4
An uninsulated section of a single conductor should not be looped
around the terminal and serve as two separate connections. The wire
must be severed, thereby providing supervision of the connection in
the event that the wire become dislodged from under the terminal.
Failure to sever the wire may render the device inoperable risking
severe property damage and loss of life.
Do not strip wire beyond 3/8” of length or expose an uninsulated
conductor beyond the edge of the terminal block. When using
stranded wire, capture all strands under the clamping plate.
DWG# 8810018-2
C
(WHT)
N.O.
(RED)
N.C.
(BLK)
(Shown with cover in place)
Screw the tting into the TEE tting as shown in Fig. 3.
The depth to the inside bottom of the TEE should have the following
dimensions:
1 11/16”
(43MM) APPROX.
DEPTH
DWG# 735-33
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5401206 - REV H • 05/19 PAGE 4 OF 6
Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC • St. Louis, MO • Phone: 800-325-3936 • www.pottersignal.com
VSR-S
Vane Type Waterow Alarm
Switch With Retard
Testing
The frequency of inspection and testing for the Model VSR-S and its
associated protective monitoring system should be in accordance with
applicable NFPA Codes and Standards and/or the authority having
jurisdiction (manufacturer recommends quarterly or more frequently).
If provided, the inspector’s test valve shall always be used for test
purposes. If there are no provisions for testing the operation of the
ow detection device on the system, application of the VSR-S is not
recommended or advisable.
A minimum ow of 10 GPM (38 LPM) is required to activate this device.
Fig 7
Break out thin section of cover when wiring both switches from one
conduit entrance.
Please advise the person responsible for testing of the re
protection system that this system must be tested in accordance
with the testing instructions. Do not obstruct or otherwise prevent
the trip stem of the ow switch from moving when water ows as
this could damage the ow switch and prevent an alarm. If an alarm
is not desired, a Flowswitch Bypass Switch should be used (refer to
Potter data sheet 5401554), or a qualied technician should disable
the alarm system.
Notes:
1. The Model VSR-S has two switches, one can be used to operate a central station, proprietary or remote signaling unit, while the other contact is
used to operate a local audible or visual annunciator.
2. For supervised circuits, see “Switch Terminal Connections Clamping Plate Terminal” drawing and warning note (Fig. 5).
Typical Electrical Connections
Fig 6
LOAD TO BELL
NEUTRAL FROM BELL
CONNECTOR
EOL (End Of Line Resistor)
BELL
NEUTRAL FROM
BREAKER
BREAKER
LINE FROM BREAKER
NOTE:
When connecting to a UL Listed
control panel, use the panel’s
resistor value for circuit supervision.
DWG# 1206-2
The VSR-S does not require power to operate. Do not connect AC power directly to the terminals as this will damage the switch.
The terminals are for switching power to an indicating appliance such as a bell or strobe. Similar to how a light switch is used to switch power to a
light. The terminals can also be used to connect to a re/security panel.
CAUTION
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5401206 - REV H • 05/19 PAGE 5 OF 6
Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC • St. Louis, MO • Phone: 800-325-3936 • www.pottersignal.com
VSR-S
Vane Type Waterow Alarm
Switch With Retard
Mounting Dimensions
Fig 8
DWG# 1206-5
GROUND SCREWS
3.50" 5.56"
(89.0 mm)
(59.4 mm)
2.34"
(141.2 mm)
(52.3 mm)
4.89"
2.00"
(50.8 mm)
1"-11 1/2 NPT
Maintenance
Vane-Type Waterow Switch for Small Pipe Specication
Inspect detectors monthly for leaks. If leaks are found, replace the detector. The VSR-S waterow switch should provide years of trouble-free service. The
retard and switch assembly are easily eld replaceable. In the unlikely event that either component does not perform properly, please order replacement
retard switch assembly stock number 1029030. There is no maintenance required, only periodic testing and inspection. Vane type watearow switches
have a normal service life of 10-15 years. However, the service life may be signicantly reduced by local environmental conditions.
UL, CUL Listed, LPCB Approved and CE Marked vane type waterow switches shall be furnished and installed at each sprinkler system connection to
the wet pipe main where indicated on the drawings and plans and as required by applicable local and national codes and standards. The device shall consist
of a 1” NPT threaded brass bushing for installation into tees and approved manifolds, gasket and non-corrosive vane and trip stem assembly as well as
a eld replaceable adjustable time delay / switch mechanism to prevent false alarms from water surges. All wetted parts of the waterow switch shall be
non-corrosive to resist being affected by or contributing to corrosion. The waterow switch enclosures shall be NEMA 4 rated and the cover shall be held
captive by tamper resistant screws. It shall be possible to install an optional cover tamper switch to detect removal of the enclosure. The eld replaceable
instantly recycling adjustable pneumatic retard shall provide a 0-90 second time delay and visual indication of activation. Expiration of the retard time shall
result in the simultaneous operation of two sets of single pole double throw (SPDT) switch contacts rated at 10A, 125VAC and 2A, 30VDC. Each switch
contact shall have a separate wiring chamber and separate conduit entrance to comply with the NEC requirements for separation of power limited and non
power limited conductors without the need for special wire or wire methods. The device shall be listed for pressures up to 300 psi, maximum water surges of
18 fps and alarm activation by a continuous ow of 10gpm. The device shall be Listed for installation on CPVC, brass, copper and iron tees and manifolds
from 1” - 2” size. The waterow switch shall be a model VSR-S manufactured by Potter Electric Signal Company LLC.
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5401206 - REV H • 05/19 PAGE 6 OF 6
Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC • St. Louis, MO • Phone: 800-325-3936 • www.pottersignal.com
VSR-S
Vane Type Waterow Alarm
Switch With Retard
Retard/Switch Assembly Replacement
Removal of Waterow Switch
1. Make sure the re alarm zone or circuit connected to the waterow switch is bypassed or otherwise taken out of service.
2. Disconnect the power source for local bell (if applicable).
3. Identify and remove all wires from the waterow switch.
4. Remove the (2) mounting screws holding retard/switch assembly to the base. Do not remove the (2) retard housing screws.
5. Remove the retard assembly by lifting it straight up over the tripstem.
6. Install the new retard assembly. Make sure the locating pins on the retard/switch assembly t into the locating pin bosses on the base.
7. Re-install the (2) original mounting screws.
8. Reconnect all wires. Perform a ow test and place the system back in service.
• To prevent accidental water damage, all control valves should be
shut tight and the system completely drained before waterow
detectors are removed or replaced.
• Turn off electrical power to the detector, then disconnect wiring.
• Use a wrench on the ats of the bushing. Turn the switch
counterclockwise to disengage the pipe threads.
• Gently lift with your ngers, roll the vane so it will t through
the hole while continuing to lift the waterow detector.
• Lift detector clear of pipe.
Ordering Information
Replaceable Components: Retard/Switch Assembly, stock no. 1029030
Paddle Tree, stock no. 5559001
Paddle Retention Screw, stock no. 5490374
Optional Components: Cover Tamper Switch, stock no. 0090148
FSBS - Flowswitch Bypass Switch , stock no.
3001006
DG-B-R Surface Mount Double Gang Box -
Red F/ FSBS, stock no. 1000484
Model Description Stock Number
VSR-S VSR-S WATER FLOW
INDICATOR 1144440
The Retard/Switch Assembly is eld-replaceable without draining the system or removing the waterow switch from the pipe
BREAK OUT THIN SECTION OF COVER
WHEN WIRING BOTH SWITCHES
FROM ONE CONDUIT ENTRANCE.
RETARD/SWITCH ASSEMBLY
(2) ORIGINAL MOUNTING
SCREWS
(2) LOCATING PINS
(2) LOCATING PIN
BOSSES IN BASE
BASE
DO NOT REMOVE
(2) RETARD HOUSING
SCREWS
REMOVE (2) ORIGINAL MOUNTING
SCREWS HOLDING RETARD/SWITCH
ASSEMBLY TO BASE
Fig 9
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